I had a weather-related style challenge last week: how on earth do you stay smart and stylish in the snow when you have an event to go to?
You may have seen (if you’re outside the UK) that we had a very British snowmageddon last week, and although the snow has all but disappeared now Keith and I did manage to get a photo shoot done on Saturday before it melted. This was actually what I wore on Tuesday to London at the very beginning of the snow, and as I didn’t get to take outfit photos up there (mostly due to a total lack of time – my train was delayed by about an hour and a half) I recreated it this weekend.
The location? It’s the same Tudor House that appeared in last Monday’s outfit post, but this time we shot by the house and the entrance to the gardens… how fabulous does it look with a smattering of snow still on the ground…?!
I’m amazed that I came up with anything at all to wear for my trip to London – there were so many factors I had to consider that dictated what to wear.
I’m amazed that I came up with anything at all to wear for my trip to London – there were so many factors I had to consider that dictated what to wear. I ended up with the obligatory pile of tried-on clothes on the bed the evening before… what a nightmare! The event was actually an interview with Twiggy (aaaargh yes!! THE Twiggy!) which will appear on the blog soon; she’s launched a new range of Specsavers glasses so when I’ve had my eye test and new glasses [from her range] sorted I’ll feature them with the interview and all the pictures.
SHOP THE LOOK:
The factors I had to take into consideration were: comfort for train travelling; freezing temperatures and likely snow; walking to and from the venue; a practical way of carrying heavy stuff (laptop, camera, my hardback Twiggy book for her to sign), and something smart and stylish. Not an easy task. I liked the outerwear version of the outfit – I wasn’t so keen once the coat came off. The accessories and coat kind of made it… never mind.
I knew I definitely wanted to wear my new wide leg check trousers from & Other Stories so that was a starting point. (I wore them – not that you can see them – in the Revolution Makeup video shoot I took part in the other week. I loved them so much I bought myself a pair.) I’d worn my M&S flatform lace-ups on the day and I loved them with the trousers so they came next. They’re also crazy-comfortable and because I was planning to walk to the event in case of unreliable or delayed tubes and taxis they made sense for walking.
Turns out I DID walk from Paddington to Knightsbridge in the end – I cut straight across Hyde Park in a snow blizzard. So luckily I wore a hat (hat hair is better than wet, snow-drenched hair) and a coat warm enough for the cold, but something that was smart enough to meet Twiggy… hence the camel wrap coat.
A wool camel coat is one of the smartest, most classic coat styles you can buy – I’ve had mine several years and it’s appeared on the blog several times:
– Camel wrap coat with… a Vintage 70s Polka Dot Dress and Modern Retro Pieces
– Camel wrap coat with… a Bejewelled Beanie and Comfy Boots
– Camel wrap coat with… a Leopard Beret, White Pants and Heels
I’ve found several you can shop online if you scroll down – many of them are on sale now that it’s end of season. Wear it this winter, next winter and for many more after that.
The finishing touches were the scarf (a cotton one so I wouldn’t get a hot, sweaty neck under wool – I know, TMI…), the smart leather backpack to make walking and carrying heavy stuff easier, and the earrings. I bought these at Paddington station in a huge rush as soon as my train got in because I’d forgotten to pick up any at home. I wanted something bold because I knew I’d be photographed wearing different specs AND with Twiggy, and my somewhat plain top half of blue sweater and roll neck (I dressed for comfort and warmth) needed tszujing up. I literally bought the first ones that caught my eye and so I ended up with these statement disc earrings from Accessorize. And I love them – a great choice even if I say so myself…! 😉
So there you have it – smart and stylish in the snow. Except that I had to walk SO fast to make up for my delayed train that I arrived looking like a hot, sweaty mess. =Sorry Twiggy=
Do add your outfits to this week’s link up – and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured next week!
WHICH PIECE OF THIS OUTFIT DO YOU LIKE BEST – THE COAT, THE TROUSERS, THE BAG OR THE SHOES? COMMENT BELOW…!
Coat: Look Again c/o, old (similar UK, similar US)
Trousers: & Other Stories
Scarf: Asos (I like this one)
Shoes: Marks & Spencer (also available in white and black)
Backpack: BearaBeara c/o
Hat: La Redoute c/o, old (similar)
Earrings: Accessorize
OTHER CAMEL WRAP COATS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thank you for joining the #iwillwearwhatilike link up! This started as a campaign on Instagram in August 2015 where women over 30 wore everything on a journalist’s list of “inappropriate” items for 30+ women (including leopard print, short dresses and oversized sunglasses. Yes, really). It was so popular that I decided to carry it on weekly where women of all ages link up their fabulous style, never mind what anyone tells them not to wear!
The link up goes live every Monday at 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!
Linking up etiquette…
CLICK HERE to read the rules of linking up (and to grab the #iwillwearwhatilike button). Basically it’s just good manners to link back to here – to leave a comment is even nicer!
Featured favourites
My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) Vintage Style Files | Fashion Fairy Dust | Fabulously Chic Over 50
To get yourself featured next week, make sure you’ve included a link back to Not Dressed As Lamb or my button in your post/sidebar!
Do share the love and visit as many links as you can (you never know what other lovely like-minded ladies you might meet) – the original Instagram campaign forged some wonderful new friendships so don’t miss out!
P.S. CHECK OUT MY PINTEREST BOARD WITH THE BEST OF THE #IWILLWEARWHATILIKE LINK UPS – HAVE YOU BEEN PINNED…?
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click through and buy I may receive a small commission at no cost to you (click here for my full disclosure). Items listed as c/o were gifted …
I think you look warm, cozy, and fantastic! I was just traveling with friends from London and they were incredulous about all the snow they were missing. Hope you stay warm and dry!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
I will be honest I had a bit of a laugh over the British version of snowmagedon. The key to staying smart in the snow is layers. I am all about the big scarves and I love my slim velvet trousers because they keep me cozy. But since we had this snow since December I am really over it and ready for lighter layers!
Stop it with these bags! I love this one, too! Also, just thinking the shoes are almost Stella Mccartney-esque. Love the look as always.
Oh, and by the way. I ended up clicking that link to a bag on JD Williams. I didn’t actually buy the bag. I got distracted and bought a dining table and two rugs instead! Haha
Kat x
This is my kind of outfit, paired down chic. Warm & practical yet super stylish, brava bella! I particularly love the shot of you walking away from camera, that bag….xxx
You are always so effortlessly stunning and elegant darling and love that the snow didn’t stop you looking AHMAZING! Don’t laugh but at one point I had on one of my kid’s Pokemon hats! x
I really can’t pick a favourite item, I love them all! I wear my camel coat so much, I don’t know how I managed without it! The hat, scarf and earrings really finish off the outfit perfectly.
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Love it all, and good for you for creating a comfy WARM outfit that’s still stylish and you don’t look like a toddler all bundled up in a Michelin Man snowsuit so you can’t bend your arms or legs…AND that you had the sense to not just go for THE LOOK and have body parts exposed to the elements!
I guess I’m surprised, I think I always thought England had similar weather to us here on Long Island (NY) but by the shocked comments of everyone there with THE COLD…I guess you don’t 🙂
Stay warm! We have yet another snowstorm headed our way this afternoon and I’m having a delicious SNOW DAY off from work 🙂
Bettye
https://fashionschlub.com
You are adorable all bundled up like that <3 I hate figuring out outfits for travelling cause I never know if it will be cold, hot, humid, what if it's going to rain….ugh! You did a fabulous job of course, the cropped trousers are so cool, I'd love to get my hands on a pair <3
Love the coat best, by a whisker, but I’d look like a sack tied in the middle! Lol
Looking forward to hearing about your interview with Twiggy along with pics x
I think you did a fabulous job. It is so hard to dress when the weather is unpredictable as it often is this time of year. Love that coat and the trousers. The whole look is warm, and classic. Cute back pack too. Can’t wait to see your pics with Twiggy! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Dearest Catherine, I can’t thank you enough for selecting me as one of your featured favorites. I am humbled to be in such wonderful company. Btw, your outfit is sophisticated and effortless. And can we all have a moment of silence on the bag? Ohhh la la!
Xo Jonet
Amazing pictures as always and love that hat on you Catherine! Camel and blue suit you perfectly. xo Sabina
You look amazing – stylish in last weeks weather must have been a challenge! And can’t wait to read the Twiggy interview
I love the way you put this outfit together, Catherine! And the fact that you found such a perfect pair of earrings to go with it at the last minute. It sounded like a bit of a nightmare to me. I would’ve been so stressed out about the delayed train!!
Can’t wait to read your post about Twiggy though. How exciting!
Suzy xx
http://www.suzyturner.com
P.S My blog has had a re-vamp! Please come and check it out <3
You look so cute!! I love everything! Especially that backpack!
Twiggy? How cool is that! I agree on the camel coat, it’s such a versatile pieces. My camel coat might not be the most fun coat in my closet, but it definitely gets worn the most. Thank you so much for the feature!
Have a great week Catherine!
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
Left a link up also. I am only learning how to do it now!
Well you managed to look fabulous despite all the snow. It is footwear I have a problem with in these conditions as I am terrified of slipping. I did some damage years ago when getting off a bus onto compacted ice. Love the bag and hat. Must try those trousers not sure if I can pull them off like you..
Trendy and very elegant outfit!
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/03/05/transition/
I have a hard time believing you were a “hot, sweaty mess”! Hahaha! This is a great professional look. In my experience as a hardy Canadian, the key to not freezing is never straying far from a coffee shop. How exciting about your Twiggy interview. I look forward to it and seeing what new specs you chose! Thanks for the linkup.
What an adorable on-the-go-in-the-snow look, dearest Catherine!! Scarves are something I don’t wear on the regular myself…and seeing your chic combo with the fedora and camel coat (and your new statement earrings!) makes me wonder why!! But my favourite piece has got to be that über-cool leather backpack; it’s beyond delicious!! P.S. I just KNEW that your special interview guest would be Twiggy; I’m so excited to hear how it went!! XOXO
http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com
Love the outfit C and you look absolutely stunning especially photo 4 … wow!! xo
Always such a pleasure to join you, dear Catherine
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Such a great hat on you, really does smarten up a winter look.
I was so excited to see you’d interviewed Twiggy on your Instastories, I look forward to reading the whole thing!
And how wonderful to have this Tudor house so close by, it’s a lovely location.
xx
Can’t wait to read your interview with Twiggy! Thanks for the link up!
xo,
Janise
I like the coat the best. I also love your scarf, hat, and earrings!
You look lovely Catherine. I love the muted, mellow colours and the photos are gorgeous as always. Thank you for hosting the link-up. Lots of love xxxx
This Canadian is having a pretty good chortle and your expense. If we know one thing here, it’s how to dress for cold and snow. There are places in Canada where -40C is perfectly normal. However, I had enough of all that and now live in the one part of Canada that has a climate very similar to the UK. We seldom get snow either and the rest of Canada laughs at our ineptitude when we do. But, then, I’m disabled, so I have all kinds of other sartorial considerations that are challenging in a way similar to dressing for the cold.
As usual, you look smart and chic, and perfectly put together. Wide trousers and unprotected ankles, though? Brrr! I would have suggested wearing tights below the trousers to keep the cold from creeping up under them. I did that a lot in Toronto.
Author
Charlotte I was wearing thick tights as well as two pairs of socks…!
Well, you look fabulous as always! And looking stylish in the snow and bitter cold temperatures has become second nature for me considering I live in the coldest snowiest place on the planet (well, not really, maybe the third coldest and snowiest place on the planet). I must say this is very well done for a novice at snow day styling! And what fun…an interview with Twiggy! I can’t wait to read it.
Shelbee
You should have seen me teetering at the V&A the following day! How I never fell on my backside is beyond me! So I would have to say I need some stylish flats like yours, Catherine, although I’m after a good camel coat. xx
Catherine Im loving the whole outfit…dont make me choose!
Love a good coat that lasts a few seasons too! The trousers are fab I would definitely wear them with flat brogues too as you have done tres chic and tres warm and comfy.#
Cannot wait to hear about your Twiggy experience. I saw your stories, great fun, but wasn’t it cold?
Happy monday
Ashley xx
Needless to say, you were light years ahead of me on the style front .. I barely came out from under my furry throw! Looking forward to your exciting spec posts as I’m a wearer. Hugs x.
I am looking forward to read the interview with Twiggy! How exiting! Thanks for hosting!
There are so many factors to consider when getting dressed. But I always rationalize that it’s good brain work, and that will keep me young…ha ha!!
XOXO
Jodie